Mercer University's College of Education oers the Bachelor of Science

in Education (B.S.Ed.) with a major in Early Learning and Development

for driven individuals who want to nurture young learners.

Designed for aspiring teachers who wish to teach children from birth to

kindergarten, the B.S.Ed. in Early Learning and Development program

prepares students to pursue various opportunities in childcare centers,

preschool and pre-K programs, kindergarten classrooms, or early

childcare agencies. Through the program, students are equipped

to promote the success of all young learners by demonstrating

certification in Georgia and requires successful completion of the GACE

Program Admission assessment. The non-certification track does not

lead to certification and does not require the GACE Program Admission

assessment. All students are required to pass the Georgia Educator

Ethics assessment. Both tracks lead to a bachelor’s degree.

Why Mercer’s B.S.Ed.?

Mercer’s B.S.Ed. programs prepare

candidates to become dynamic educators

and reflective professionals who support

the diverse needs of students. Following

Association for the Education of Young

Children (NAEYC) standards.

Delivery Format

The B.S.Ed. in Early Learning and

Development program is oered through

a blended combination of online and in-

person meetings at Mercer's Atlanta,

Douglas County, or Henry County location,

with daytime field experiences. Courses

are structured in eight-week terms, and

Students in the B.S.Ed. in Early Learning

and Development program must complete

a sequentially planned series of field

experiences in diverse settings related to

child development, pedagogy, and program

administration. All field experiences are

completed at early learning centers primarily

during the day.

Beyond the Classroom

Mercer University is committed to serving

EARLY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

INITIAL TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM  Blended

A Top-Ranked Leader in Education

Founded in 1833, Mercer University is one of America’s

most distinctive universities. U.S. News & World Report

has ranked Mercer among the leading universities

in the nation—including a “Best Value”—and The

Princeton Review consistently ranks Mercer in the

education. Our students develop the knowledge and

experience to teach, lead, and transform schools,

districts, and communities, and our graduates are

frequently recognized for their commitment to

excellence. We collaborate with teachers, principals,

human resource ocials, and other community

leaders to ensure that our teacher education and

educational leadership programs remain relevant and

align with our philosophy that students learn best

when engaged in hands-on experiences.

ELAD 210 Characteristics of Typical and Atypical Early

Childhood Development

EDUC 257 Psychology and Development of the Learner

ELAD 330 Creative Arts for Young Children

ELAD 485 Child Development Pre-Practicum/Fieldwork

(Birth–2 years)

ELAD 487 Observation and Assessment of Young Children and

Pre-Practicum/Fieldwork (3–4 years)

ELAD 489 Student Teaching (Pre-K–Kindergarten) –

Young Children

ELAD 403 Building Home, Early Learning, and Community

Partnerships in Early Learning and Development

Settings

ELAD 488 Program Administration in Diverse Settings and

Pre-Practicum/Fieldwork (Birth–5 years)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Oce of Admissions

program admits students five times per year in January, March, May,

August, and October.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS INCLUDE:

• Completed application for admission

• $25 non-refundable application fee ($50 for international students)

• Ocial transcripts from all previously attended institutions

• High school or GED transcript (if applicable)

• Bright from the Start background check from the Georgia

Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

• For full admission to Teacher Candidacy and program entry, all